Bahrain - Day 2

"Rest? You rest on the plane!" 


Day 2 in Bahrain had a hefty agenda in store for the crew. See below.

6:45 – 7:45	Breakfast
8:00	Depart from hotel
8:30 – 10:00	U.S. Embassy Briefing
10:30 – 1:30	GPIC Management Briefing in Sitra – Lunch provided
2:00 –  5:00	Tamkeen, EDB, and Bahrain Polytechnic presentations
5:30 – 7:00	Gould Souk
7:15	Depart to hotel

 No cameras allowed at the Embassy - total bummer, but no surprise. Here's one I snapped from the streets, though. 

United States Embassy

After multiple security passes, metal detectors, pat downs, and passport reviews, we were in the Embassy ready for our briefing.  The Junior Economic and Commercial Relations Officer - Cesar - greeted us once we were through security. He talked to us a bit about the history of the building and a bit about himself (laid off journalist for USA today, been working for the govt. for 6 years now).  Our group was absolutely thrilled to find out that the ambassador was present, and willing to sit down with us for a bit to chat. After shaking the hand of the U.S. Ambassador of Bahrain (sorry, I had to), we sat down and listened to all he had to say. He was originally the Vice president of International Defense in Washington D.C., and from there moved on to be the Ambassador in Yemen for 3 years. I know I may be boring you, but this guy was awesome. He reminded me of a really chill college professor (think Keith Markman PSY101, fellow Bobcats). I could bore you with some of the tidbits, fun facts, and statistics that I noted during the discussion, but I'll spare you and save that for my reflection paper.

United States Ambassador of Bahrain

"Does anybody know what GPIC is?" Glad I wasn't the only one asking that question after we left the embassy and were en route to destination dos. Gulf Petrochemical Industry Co, for those of you who are also in the dark. Fifty percent of the product created at this industry in Bahrain is sold in the United States. Also, GPIC is the most environmentally friendly chemical industry in the world. I'm not going to lie to you, I thought this visit was going to be a total snoozefest. I was so wrong. Our group was treated like royalty. The president of the company sat us down, and his close staff joined us. The first thing he said after shaking each of our hands (had to, sue me), "The main difference between American people and British people is that American people are typically nice. Any British people here? Good." From that point on, I knew we were going to get along. Abdulrahman Jawahery, aka 'Prez' as our group referred to him, briefed us on the history of the company, gave us a tour of the work space, and sent us on a bus tour to see the premises. I kid you not, it was an oasis. Oasis and Petrochemical company don't seem to go together - right? Well Prez made it work. Orchids, botanical gardens, vegetable gardens, resort-like fountains, a bird sanctuary, a fish farm... all alongside a chemical plant. Weird? Yep. Surreal. Unfortunately, we weren't allowed to take pictures while on the chemical plant's premise (which is where the fountains, gardens, fish farm, etc. were), but I snuck a few of the bird sanctuary which was on the other side of the premise just outside their country club. Yes, they have a country club for their employees. Anyways, here are a few I stole from google images of the GPIC plant:

President of the company

Fish farms

Not only did Prez treat us to lunch at his incredible country club...

Prior to the food coma

Bird sanctuary outside the club

Courtyard outside the club

Beautiful lunch

Cheesecake balls. Swear. 

...but he inSISTED on treating us to dinner as well. Matthew (our leader of the group) was a bit hesitant, saying we shouldn't stay out late because we need to rest. Prez told him to respect his elders. A beck and a call to some of his staff, and we had an exclusive room set up at a 5 star restaurant with a private DJ and photographer, open bar, belly dancers, and a 5 course meal for each and every one of us. He extended the invitation to all of his staff members as well. Needless to say, we had one hell of a night. I'll show you some of the highlights, but let me close out on the rest of the day. It will only take a second.

We were running rather late due to the GPIC fabulous-ness, so we were behind schedule (a solid hour... whoopsie).  At any rate, the 3 presentations we sat through were long and mind-numbing, and I can speak for the group when I say it was difficult to stay awake. My notes consist of chicken scratch and doodles. Sorry, I blame it on the food coma. 

We were supposed to head to the Gold Souk afterwards, but the group voted on heading back to the hotel early to take a quick nap in anticipation for the night's festivities. "Rest? You rest on the plane! You in Bahrain now!" -Prez

 Here are some of the highlights, as promised. Enjoy.  

Probably not the best way to start the night, but when in Bahrain...

Giant shrimp? Baby lobster? Delicious.

Karaoke happened

So did hookah

Day 3 coming manana. Hope you're enjoying my blog - do you even need to ask if I'm having a good time out here?